Method and apparatus for controlling formation of fibers by calorimetry



W. P. WARTHEN METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING FORMATION OF FIBERS BY CALORIMETRY Oct. 3, 1961 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed June .15, 1959 Oct. 3, 1961 w. P. WARTHEN 3,002,226

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING FORMATION OF FIBERS BY CALORIMETRY Filed June 15, 1959 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Oct. 3, 1961 w. P. WARTHEN 3,002,226 METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING FORMATION OF FIBERS BY CALORIMETRY Filed June 15, 1959 4 Sheets-Sheet I5 Oct. 3, 1961 w. P. WARTHEN 3,002,226

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING FORMATION OF FIBERS BY CALORIMETRY Filed June 15, 1959 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 IN VEN TOR. WILL/AM I? WARTHEN Patented Oct. 3, 1961 METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CUNTRGLLING FORMATION OF FIBERS BY CALORIMETRY William P. Warthen, Newark, Ohio, assignor to Owens- Corning Fiberglas Corporation, a corporation of Delaware Filed June 15, 1959, Ser. No. 820,451 17 Claims. (Cl. 18-8) This invention relates to method of and apparatus for indicating, regulating and controlling the characteristics of a flowing stream or streams of heat-soften-able material such as the viscosity and size thereof, the method and apparatus being particularly adaptable for indicating and controlling the formation of and size of filaments or fibers attenuated from heat-softened mineral materials such as glass, slag or fusible rock, and more especially to a method of and apparatus for indicating variations in factors which influence the flow characteristics of the stream or streams and particularly streams processed or attenuated to continuous fialments or fibers usable for textile fabrication through the use of calorimetry or determinations of differentials in amount of heat absorbed from the material.

In the formation of filaments or fibers and particularly continuous filaments of heat-softened glass or other mineral material, various methods have been devised for exercising a measure of control over the average fiber or filament diameter, and in prior methods, deviations from an average size have been detected by periodic or spot checking by breakingout one or more filaments and making microscopic measurements of same in a laboratory and the operating conditions thereafter corrected.

Through the use'of such method of testing, many thousands of yards of imperfect or improperly sized fibers or filaments may be produced before the deviations are detected and the operating conditions modified. Various factors influence the size and character of fibers or continuous filaments such as the maintenance of a substantial head of glass or material in a feeder, pulling or attenuating the material at a proper rate and maintaining the temperature of the material and hence its viscosity substantially constant. While the temperature of the heat-softened glass may change or vary only a few degrees and such changes in the comparatively large mass of glass in the feeder may occur at periods of but a few seconds, the result is a substantial change in filament size because of the large mass of glass affected by a comparatively small change in temperature.

In attenuating heat-softened glass to continuous filaments, especially for textile uses, it has been found advantageous to provide heat absorbing fins or small plates of metal adjacent the stream feeder tips to convey away some of the heat from the cone shaped regions of the streams at the tips in order to foster the production of more uniform size filaments by rendering the heatsoftened glass of slightly higher viscosity from which the continuous filaments are attenuated as this enables more uniform throughput or flow of glass at a lesser viscosity through the feeder orifices or tips.

The invention embraces a method of determining or indicating characteristics of a stream of heat-softened material through the utilization of a circulating heat-absorbing fluid in heat-transferring relation with the stream whereby differential temperatures of the fiuid form a sensing means and through thermoelectric components provide an indication'of variations in the flow characteristics of the stream.

The invention embraces a method or system for controlling the size of filaments attenuated from streams of glass or-other heat-softened material delivered from a feeder by maintaining certain factors or conditions constant, such as the fiber pulling or attenuating rate and the application of heat to the glass, and varying or regulating the rate at which the glass is fed into the feeder, the determination of deviations in flow rate of streams of glass from the feeder being indicated or recorded by a flow calorimeter method of ascertaining temperature differentials in a circulating heat absorbing medium employed to reduce the temperature of the streams at their region of discharge from the feeder.

The invention embraces a method or system and apparatus for indicating deviations in operating conditions to facilitate control of the size of fibers or continuous filaments drawn from streams of glass or other heat-softened material delivered from a feeder whereina circulating heat absorbing medium is employed for stabilizing the viscosity of the streams of glass, the differential temperatures of the cooling medium providing a sensing means or indication to enable the adjustment or regulation of one or more factors influencing the character of the streams or the condition of the material of the streams whereby to maintain accurate control of the size of fibers or filaments formed from the streams of material.

Another object of the invention resides in a method or system of indicating variations in the rate at which the fiber-forming material is delivered from a stream feeder to enable the instant correction of operating conditions so as to maintain the fibers or filaments drawn from the streams within a critical size range, this method avoiding the necessity of maintaining a slmstantial head of glass in a feeder thereby effecting substantial savings through the use of a comparatively small feeder.

Another object of the invention is the provision of an arrangement for use with a stream feeder for heatsoftened mineral materials, including a heat absorbing structure and circulating fluid medium wherein temperature sensing or thermo-responsive components are utilized for indicating thermal differentials in the circulating cooling fluid to facilitate the regulation and control of the factors affecting the size of fibers or filaments formed from the streams and varying such factors as indicated by the variations in the rate of absorption of heat from the streams to reestablish normal operating conditions.

Another object of the invention is the provision of an arrangement supporting a heat absorbing structure for a stream feeder adapted to automatically compensate for sag or distortion of a stream feeder which may occur under the influence of high temperatures necessitated for maintaining the glass or other mineral material in a molten state whereby a more accurate and uniform cooling or conditioning of the streams is attained as well as assuring a more accurate control of the throughput of the material for forming the streams which are adapted to be attenuated to fibers or continuous filaments.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a heat absorbing arrangement for use with a high temperature stream feeder for glass or like material wherein the apparatus is relatively movable to establish and maintain a predetermined relation with respect to the stream feeder to eifectively regulate or control the heat absorption throughout the length of the feeder or at zonal regions of the feeder as may be required to maintain flow of uniform streams of the material.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a method of and apparatus for maintaining heat absorp tion controlof multiple zones or groups of streams from a stream feeder wherein the heat absorption rate of each zone may be controlled or regulated independently of the others.

Still a further object of the invention is the provision of a heat absorption apparatus for a stream feeder for.

high temperature fusing materials employing heat absorbing fins or members wherein the members are rendered adjustable relative to the feeder in order to control the rate of heat absorption from streams adjacent individual fins or members.

Still another object of the invention is the provision of an apparatus for controlling the temperature at various zonal regions of a stream feeder wherein a duct for a circulating heat absorbing fluid is rendered flexible or adjustable for controlling the absorption of heat from the streams at various zones of the stream feeder in order to provide streams from which continuous filaments or fibers of uniform size may be formed. I

Further objects and advantages the within the scope of this invention such as relate to the arrangement, operation and function of the related elements of the structure, to various details of construction and to combinations of parts, elements per se, and to economies of manufacture and numerous other features as will be apparent from a consideration of the specification and drawing of a form of the invention, which may be preferred, in which:

FIGURE 1 is a schematic view of a stream feeder for glass streams or the like and a heat absorbing or cooling arrangement associated therewith provided with a temperature differential indicating means for the cooling medium;

FIGURE 2 is a transverse sectional view through the feeder shown in FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 3 is a transverse sectional view illustrating fin cooling construction in conjunction with a heat barrier providing for the absorption of heat from the streams of material substantially unaffected by the heat of the material in the feeder;

FIGURE 4 is a bottom plan view of a portion of the arrangement shown in FIGURE 3;

FIGURE 5 is a bottom plan view of a stream feeder embodying means for applying electrical energy to zonal regions of the feeder for augmenting heating of transverse zones of the feeder;

FIGURE 6 is a bottom plan view of a stream feeder and fin controlling construction wherein zontal temperature control may be exercised through the zonal control of the circulating cooling or temperature controlling fluid;

FIGURE 7 is a bottom plan view of a stream feeder and heat absorption control arrangement for individual groups of heat absorption fins or members;

FIGURE 8 is a side elevational view of a feeder illustrating a heat absorption apparatus and mounting means;

FIGURE 9 is a fragmentary view of a modified mounting arrangement for heat control units shown in FIG- URE 8;

FIGURE 10 is a view showing an expansible connection between the heat absorption control units shown in FIGURE 8;

FIGURE 11 is a bottom plan view of a stream feeder employing fluid conveying ducts adjustable for influencing the variable absorption of heat from various zones or groups of streams flowing from the feeder;

FIGURE 12 is a bottom plan view of a portion of a stream feeder and heat absorbing fin arrangement wherein the individual fins are independently adjustable;

FIGURE 13 is a side elevational view of the structure shown in FIGURE 12;

FIGURE 14 is a transverse sectional view illustrating a heat absorbing fin construction in combination with another form of heat barrier, and

FIGURE 15 illustrates the method of the invention utilized with single stream of heat-softened material.

While the method and apparatus of the invention have particular utility in indicating and controlling the condition of streams of heat-softened mineral material such as glass for attenuation of the streams to continuous filaments or fibers, it is to be understood that heat absorp tion indication of other materials may be had through the use of the invention.

In the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, the glass or heat-softened mineral material is maintained in a feeder or bushing at a temperature such thatthe glass is of a low viscosity and the stream or streams of the glass flowed from the feeder exposed or subjected to' a' heat absorption means for stabilizing the stream or streams for processing and for indicating variations in stream flow characteristics. 7' I With particular reference to FIGURE 1, there is illustrated a feeder, receptacle or bushing 10 of elongated rectangular shape formed of metal, such as platinum, platinum rhodium or other material capable of withstanding the high temperatures of molten glass. The glass in the feeder or bushing 10 may be heated or maintained in fiowable condition by suitable" means preferably by electric energy. As shown in FIGURE 1, the end walls 12 of the feeder are provided with connectors or terminals 14 with which current supply bus bars are connected to establish current flow through the feeder 10, the resistance to current flow generating heat in the feeder.

The bottom wall or floor 18 of the feeder is provided with a comparatively large number of projections or tips 29 which are arranged in transverse rows, there being four tips in each transverse row in the" form shown in FIGURES 1 and 2.. Each of the tips or projections is formed with an orifice of passage 22 through which flows a stream 24 of molten glass or other heat-softened flowable material from the feeder 10. The glass stream, at the outlet region of each passage 22, is in the form of a cone 26 which is necked down tofilament formation by attenuation. The streams may be attenuated to filaments 2.7 by a rotating pulling wheel or by winding the filaments upon a rotating filament collector.

The glass in the bushing or feeder it) is maintained at a comparatively high temperature suflicient to render the molten glass of a low viscosity in order to foster uniform flow of highly fluid glass through the orifices or passages '22 to provide uniform streams. The viscosity of the glass at its region of delivery from the orifices 2-2 is too low to be efiiciently drawn into fine continuous filaments and means is provided for absorbing heat from the cone regions 26 of the glass streams at the tips, raising the viscosity of the glass to promote efiicient attenuation of the streams to fine continuous filaments.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGURES 1 and 2, a plurality of heat absorbing fins or members 30 extend transversely of the feeder, a fin or member being disposed between rows of tips with a pair of rows or tips between adjacent fins. The fins are formed of metal having comparatively high heat conducting characteristics and such metals as copper, platinum, stainless steel or the like have been found to be satisfactory for the purpose.

Extending lengthwise of and adjacent the feeder 10 is an elongated tubular member 32, the fins 30 being welded or otherwise secured in heat transferring relation to the tubular member 32. The passage 34 in the member 32 accommodates a heat absorbing or cooling fluid such as water which is continuously circulated in order to convey away heat transferred from the glass streams to the fins 35). The amount of heat absorbed or withdrawn from the glass streams may be varied by varying the rate of flow of fluid through the tabular member 32.

One of the factors affecting the size of the filaments attenuated from streams is a variation, even of a minor character, in the temperature of the glass in the feeder as a comparatively small temperature change affects the viscosity of the glass and hence the size or volume of the cones of the streams from which continuous filaments are drawn or attenuated. Various methods have been devised for determining deviations or variations in filament size but such methods usually involve breaking out one or more filaments from the group and subjecting them to microscopic measurement and subsequently changing the amount of heat in the feeder to change the viscosity of the glass.

Such procedure is, however, time consuming and as the filaments are attenuated at speeds upwards of 20,000 linear feet per minute or more, substantial yardage of filaments of improper size may be produced before the proper adjustments are effected to reestablish operating conditions to secure filaments of the proper size. This procedure results in substantial waste of improperly sized filaments.

The total heat radiation from the cones 26 of the glass streams is dependent upon the volume of the cones rather than the surface area. Thus the total amount of heat transferred to the fins is indicative of the average volume of the summation of the cones 26. As the volume of a cone varies with viscosity of the glass, the amount of heat transferred to the fins is proportionately changed. As filament size is dependent upon viscosity of the glass, other conditions being substantially constant, variations in the amount of heat absorbed from the cones bears a direct relation to the size of filaments attenuated from the streams.

The arrangement of the present invention embodies means associated with the heat absorbing fins 30 and the tubular member 32 for determining minute variations in the amount of heat absorbed from the cones of the glass streams whereby a continuous indication is provided of the condition of the streams and hence an indication of the variation in size of filaments attenuated from the streams.

FIGURE 1 is illustrative of an electrical means for directly indicating variations in the heat quantity absorbed from the cones of glass at. the tips 20 through the medium of the cooling fins and the circulating water or other heat absorbing fluid. The means conveying the water to the tube 32 is connected with a standpipe or other constant head of water so as to establish a uniformly constant flow of water through the tube. The metal tubular member 322 is insulated or isolated against heat conduction through the fluid supply pipes by tubular couplings 33 of rubber, neoprene or nonmetallic material disposed at the fluid inlet and outlet regions of member 32. In measuring variations in amount of heat absorbed into the water, it is essential that a uniform flow rate of water or other fluid medium be established. As indicated schematically in FIGURE 1, there is arranged at the water inlet end of the tube 32 a thermistor 36, viz. a resistance having a nonlinear or negative temperature coeficient. A second thermistor38 is arranged at the outlet end of the water circulating tube 32. A balanced resistance system or Wheatstone bridge 40 is intercalated in circuit with the thermistors 36 and 38. A galvanometer or electrically influenced indicating means 42 is associated with the Wheatstone bridge arrangement 40 for indicating any deviation or differential in the amount of heat normally absorbed intothe water between the thermistor 36 and the thermistor 38.

The thermistor S6 constitutes an upper right leg 44 of the resistance system and the thermistor 38 constitutes the upper left leg 46 of the resistance system. The resistance of the thermistor 36 is normally balanced by a resistance 48 and the resistance of the thermistor 38 balanced by a resistance 50. A source of direct current 52 is connected across the resistance system or Wheatstone bridge in the manner shown in FIGURE 1.

The thermistors or thermoresponsive units 36 and 38 are preferably employed in the indicating system because they are extremely sensitive to temperature variations resulting in a more accurate indication of variations in the amount of heat absorbed into the water.

In the use of the arrangement shown in FIGURES l and 2, a constant flow of water is established through the tube 32 so as to provide a heat absorbing medium of substantial constancy. Under normal operations, the difference in temperature of the water at the inlet end of the tube 32 and the outlet end is constant and the resistances in the circuit balanced so that the galvanometer needle 43 is maintained in a zero position. The temperature of the water entering the tube 32 is immaterial as the difference in the temperature of the water at the inlet and outlet regions of the tube is the motivating factor setting up an unbalanced condition in the indicating system. Should the head of glass or temperature vary in the feeder 10, a change will occur in the viscosity of the streams of glass and the amount of heat absorbed from the cones 26 by the fins 30 and transferred to the circulating Water will be changed.

This change in the amount of heat absorbed into the circulating water sets up a change in the normalheat differential between the thermistors 36 and 38 causing an unbalanced condition in the resistance system or bridge 40, resulting in a movement of the galvanometer indicator from its normal or balanced position. The galvanometer chart or dial 45 may he graduated or calibrated to indicate fiber diameters directly or any other scale of measurement desired, such as the throughput of glass.

Through this arrangement a continuous indication is provided, detecting or sensing any variations in the op erating conditions at the filament forming zones of the cones of the streams which would affect the filament size and yardage. Thus a change in filament or fiber size is automatically indicated without interrupting filament attenuation or stream flow as compared with prior test methods of periodically breaking out one or more filaments for microscopic measurement in a laboratory.

The galvanometer 42 gives an immediate visual indication of a malfunctioning of one or more of the operating conditions of the stream flowing arrangement so that proper correction may be made and waste of filaments of improper size reduced to a minimum. The current flow influencing the galvanometer may be amplified and directed to a recording apparatus providing a permanent record of the operating conditions.

FIGURES 3 and 4 illustrate an arrangement of the invention which includes a guard plate, shield or heat barrier adapted to absorb a major amount of radiant energy emanating from the feed bushing or feeder 10' whereby the heat energy from the cones of the glass streams is not upgraded by heat from the feeder.

In this arrangement the heat absorbing fins or members absorb most of the heat given off by the cones of the streams and provide an accurate measurement factor which is proportional to the size of filaments or fibers drawn from the streams.

With particular reference to FIGURES 3 and 4, disposed beneath the feeder 10' is a member 32' provided with a lengthwise passage 34', a plurality of heat absorbing fins or plates 30' being welded or otherwise secured to the tube 32, the fins extending between rows of orificed tips 20 in the manner shown in FIGURE 4. Disposed intermediate the floor 56 of the feeder 10' and the upper edges of the fins 30 is a horizontally extending guard member or heat shield 58 Which'is of slightly greater width than the floor region 56 of the feeder 1%.

The guard plate 58 is connected with a second tubular member 60 provided with a lengthwise passage 62 through which circulating fluid such as water is flowed at a constant rate. The plate 58 is provided adjacent each of the orificed tips 20 with an opening 64, the openings being slightly larger in diameter than the tips providing clearance between the shield or plate 58 and the tips 20'. Through this arrangement, the member 58 conducts radiant heat derived from the feeder 10- to the water flowing through the passage 52.

The shield or plate 58 functions as a heat barrier to minimize transfer of heat from the feeder to the fins 39' whereby the heat transferred to the cooling or heat absorbing fins 30" is derived from the cones of the glass streams. Variations or changes in the amount of heat absorbed into the water flowing through the tubular member 32 may be indicated or recorded by apparatus of the same character illustrated in FIGURE 1.

It is imperative that a uniform rate of flow of water through passage 62 be maintained in order not-to impair or affect indications of heat changes in the cones of glassadjacent the orificed tips Each of the tubes 32 and 69 is provided with thermistors at the inlet and outlet regions, one of the thermistors 61 for the tube 32' and a thermistor 63 for the tube 60 being shown in FIGURE 4.

FIGURE 5 is a bottom plan view of a feeder illustrating an arrangement of electrical connections facilitating zonal control of the distribution of heat in a feeder. In the arrangement shown in FIGURE 5, the heat absorbing fin and tube construction have been omitted for purposes of illustration. The feeder 68 is provided with terminals 70 integrated or joined with the end walls and sets of terminals 71, 72 and 73 provided at the side walls of the feeder at lengthwise spaced regions.

The end terminals 70 are connected with a source of current supply and the sets of terminals 71, 72. and '73 are connected with controlled sources of current supply for heating the feeder. By controlling the current supplied to each of the sets of transversely arranged terminals, the amount of heat generated in the zones of the feeder adjacent the sets of terminals may be regulated and controlled in order to obtain improved control of the distribution of heat within the feeder established by a resistance to current flow.

Through this arrangement, the heat may be more uniformly distributed through the various Zones of glass in the feeder so that an effective control of viscosity of the glass streams from dilferent zones of the feeder may be attained. Thus if streams from a particular zone in the feeder are of a higher or lesser viscosity than streams from the other zones, the current supplied to the feeder may be varied at the particular transverse zone in order to reestablish streams of desired viscosity.

FIGURE 6- illustrated a modified arrangement wherein several thermistors are associated with a tubular element 32a for exercising zonal control of absorption of heat from the fins, the thermistors being spaced lengthwise of the tube 32a supporting the fins. Through this arrangement a zonal control is provided over the rate of heat absorption by different groups of cooling fins so as to provide for streams of uniform viscosity where variations are encountered in the absorption of heat among difi'erent groups of fins disposed adjacent the feeder.

As shown in FIGURE 6, a feeder 68a is provided with orifices 69a through which streams of glass are flowed from the feeder. The illustrated arrangement provides for thermoelectric indication of four heat absorbing zones. In this form, thermistors 75, 76, 77 and 78 are employed at spaced zones. Thus an indication of the amount of heat absorbed in each zone through the use of a plurality of indicators of the character shown at 42 in FIGURE 1. his to be understood that any number of thermistors and indicating means may be associated with the manifold tube 32a for zonal indication of heat absorption of groups of the cooling fins a.

FIGURE 7 illustrates a modified arrangement for obtaining zonal control of heat absorption by groups of cooling fins. As shown in FIGURE 7, a feeder 68b is provided with rows of orifices 6% through which streams of glass flow from the feeder. Arranged at one side and beneath the feeder is a manifold or tubular member 32b supporting alternate cooling fins 84-. Water or other heat absorbing fluid of constant pressure is circulated through the manifold 32b to convey away heat absorbed from the streams through the medium of the fins 84.

The remaining alternate fins disposed between adjacent rows of streams are arranged in groups and each group supported by an independent member provided with a tubular means for accommodating a stream of cooling fluid independently of the other members. As shown in FIGURE 7, members 86, 87 and 88 are arranged lengthwise of the feeder, the member 86 supporting the cooling fins thin, the intermediate member $7 supporting cooling fins 84b and the member 38 supporting the fins 840.

Each of the members 86, 8'7 and S8 is provided with a tubular means 90 for conveying cooling or heat absorbing fluid, such as water, through each of the members 86, 87 and 83 individually so as to exercise a zonal control over the rate of absorption of heat by each of the groups of fins 34a, 84b and 84c. The temperature and rate of flow of water or other cooling fluid through each of the tubular means 90 may be individually controlled so as to regulate the rate of absorption of heat through the medium of individual groups of fins.

Thermistors 92, 93, 94 and 95 spaced lengthwise of the manifold 32b are connected with indicators of the character shown at 42 in FIGURE 1 adapted to indicate variations in heat absorbed in the individual zones. The blocks 86, 87 and 88 may be adjustably supported to vary the rate of heat absorption in each zone.

This enables an operator to modify the heat in the particular zone of the feeder to reestablish desired operaing conditions, the attainment of which will be indicated by differentials in inlet and outlet temperatures of the water or cooling fluid flowing through the particular block and fin assembly.

FIGURES 8 and 10 illustrate a means for supporting or maintaining heat absorbing units adjacent the bottom wall of a feeder in a manner whereby distortion or sagging of the floor or bottom wall of the feeder effects a corresponding movement of the heat absorbing units or assemblies to maintain a coordinated relationship between the fins of the heat absorbing units and the adjacent glass streams from which heat is being absorbed.

In the arrangement shown in FIGURE 8, two heat absorbing units or assemblies 94 and 5 are disposed adjacent the bottom wall or floor region 96 of a feeder 98, the fin cooling units or assemblies 94 and 95 being preferably arranged in generally aligned condition lengthwise of the feeder 98.

The units 94 and 95 are mounted or supported so as to move with the feeder floor 99 should the floor sag or be distorted by the intense heat to maintain their respective positions in relation with the region of discharge of the glass streams from the orificed tips 100.

As shown in FIGURE 7, the outer end region of each unit 94 and 95 is mounted upon a support or fulcrum 102 at a predetermined distance beneath the ends of the feeder floor 99. The members 94 and 95 are respectively provided with tubes I04 and 1% which communicate with the tubular or hollow interiors of the members 94 and 95. As shown in FIGURE 7, the members 94 and 95 are spaced apart to accommodate a connecting loop 193 of flexible metal tubing, each end of the tube forming the loop being in communication with the fluid receiving passages in the members $4 and 95.

The tube 104 provides an inlet for heat absorbing liquid or fluid which flows through the block 95 through the loop 108, the hollow block 94 and the outlet tube 106. Thermistors (not shown) are associated with the inlet and outlet tubes 1&4 and 106 providing for indications of variations of a predetermined difference in the water inlet and outlet temperatures for purposes of indicating variations or changes in the head of glass in the feeder, or variations in the heating or operating conditions. The flexible loop 108 is adapted to accommodate relative movement between the assemblies 94 and 95 without impairing or obstructing the continuous flow of heat absorbing fluid through the units.

Secured to the central region of the feeder floor 99 is a support or loop 112 of platinum rhodium and the respective ends of the units 94 and 95 are connected by 9 means of links 114 and 116 with the median support 112. In this manner sagging or distortion of the floor 99, as shown in FIGURE 8, affects the movement of the inner ends of the units 94 and 5 to the same extent so that the units are maintained in a predetermined relation with respect to the orificed tips 1%. p

The units 94 and 95 are respectively provided with heat absorbing fins 118 which extend between pairs of transverse rows or orificed tips 106 in a position to absorb heat from the streams of glass or other heat-softened material flowing from the feeder. By maintaining a substantially constant dimension or relation between each of the units 94 and 95 and the floor 99 of the feeder, changes or distortions of the floor do not impair or affect the temperature conditions or heat absorbing factor between the fins 118 and the adjacent streams of glass from which heat is absorbed. I

FIGURE 9 illustrates a modified mounting construction for heat absorbing units disposed beneath the feeder. The units 94a and 95a are mounted upon fulcrum members 102a in the same manner as illustrated in FIGURE 8 and each of the units 94a and 95a is provided with transversely extending fins 118a which extend between transverse rows of feeder tips 100a through which streams of glass are flowed from the feeder 98a.

The units are adapted to accommodate circulating cooling fluid, the unit 95 being provided with an inlet 104a: and the unit 94a provided with an outlet 166a, a loop Iiiha of tubing being disposed between adjacent ends of the units to accommodate relative movement of the units caused by sagging or distortion of the bottom wall or floor 99a of the feeder fifla. Each of the heat absorbing units 94a and $511 is provided with an arm or extension 120 projecting beyond the fulcrum members 102a.

Means is provided for exerting downward pressure upon a region of each of the extensions 120' in order to bias the heat absorbing units toward the floor 99a of the feeder. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGURE 9, expansive coil springs 122 are utilized exerting downward pressure upon the arms 120 as the biasing force. It is to be understood that other means may be utilized in lieu of the springs 122 as for example hydraulic pressure, electro-magnetic means, or weights may be suspended from the extensions 120 for the intended purpose.

Disposed between the inner end of each of the heat absorbing units and the feeder floor 99a is a strut member or spacer 124 for properly positioning the end of each unit a proper distance from the feeder. The spacers 24 may be formed of high temperature resistant metal such as platinum or alloys thereof, ceramic, or other material which is resistant to the high temperatures involved.

It will be apparent that a sagging or relative change in the position of the feeder floor 99a will affect a corresponding change in the position of the heat absorbing units 91a and 95awhereby substantially constant relation is maintained between theheat absorbing fins 118a and the glass streams flowing from the tips 100a. The fluid inlet and outlet tubes 104a and 106a are adapted to be provided with thermistors in the manner illustrated in FIGURE 1 connected with a galvanometer or other means suitable for indicating variations in the amount of heat absorbed into the water. v

Thus a variation in the heat absorption differential between the inlet and outlet of the heat absorbing system is registered on the galvanometerindicator, providing a visual means of alerting the operator that a change has occurred in the operating conditions affecting the viscosity of the streams of glass and hence the size of the filaments or the fibers attenuated from the streams. The operator then makes the necessary adjustments to'reestablish the proper operating conditions for securing filaments or fibers of the desired size.

- FIGURE 11 illustrates a modification wherein the heat absorbing means includes metal tubes, a tube being arranged at each side of the row or rows of glass streams from a feeder, the tubes adapted to accommodate circul'ating heat absorbing fluid. In this form the individual fluid conducting tubes may be adjusted relative to the glass streams in order to vary the rate of absorption of heat from certain of the streams in order to maintain the streams at substantially the same viscosity and thereby obtain attenuated filaments of uniform size.

This form of the invention is illustrated in connection with a feeder of rectangular shape having its bottom wall or floor provided with two rows of orificed tips 132 through which streams of glass are flowed from the feeder. Arranged at each side of the rows of streams is a metal tube 134 fashioned of a metal or metal alloy which may be readily flexed, recontoured or reshaped so that regions of the tubes may be adjusted with respect to certain streams from the feeder in order to accelerate or retard the rate of heat absorption from the glass streams at one or more zones to provide for zonal control over the properties of characteristics of the streams of glass.

Each of the metal tubes 134 is adapted to accommodate circulating cooling fluid such as water, the tubes 134 being disposed adjacent and lengthwise of the glass feedor in order to effectively absorb heat from the glass streams. Means is provided for deflecting or distorting regions of each of the tubes at zones lengthwise of the feeder 130. Disposed adjacent each of the tubes 134 is a bar 136 extending in parallelism with the feeder.

Each bar is provided with one or more members spaced lengthwise thereof and engageable with the adjacent tube 134 in order to adjust or control the position of the tube at spaced regions thereof. In the embodiment illustrated, three members designated 138, 139 and 140 are carried by each of the bars, each of the members being threaded as shown at 142 adapted to be threadedly engaged in a bushing 144 carried by each bar 136.

The extremity of the threaded portions 142 is provided with kerf 143 or other suitable configuration to receive a tool for adjusting the position of the tube engaging members by rotating the members relative to the supporting bushings 144'. Each of the members 138, 139 and 140 is equipped with a shoe 148' which engages outer wall of a tube. By individual adjustment of the members 138, 139 and 140, the tubes 134 may be flexed or bent to positions at varying distances from the glass streams.

As shown in FIGURE 11, the centrally positioned members 139 are adjusted to maintain the central region of the tube 134 closer to the glassstreams than the regions of tubes 134 adjacent the members 138 and 140. Through this arrangement, a zonal control of the viscosity of the streams at their point of delivery from the feeder may be maintained to compensate for unequal heating in various zones of the feeder.

FIGURES 12 and 13 illustrate another form of apparatus for absorbing and conveying heat away from streams of glass or other heat-softened mineral material. In this form of the invention, individual cooling or heat absorbing fins are adjustably mounted in order to control the rate of heat absorption. The floor or bottom wall 152, of the feeder 150 is formed-with rows of orificed tips 154 through which streams of glass are delivered. Disposed adjacent the feeder and extending lengthwise thereof is a tubular member or manifold 156 arranged to accommodate a circulating heat absorbing fluid such as water.

The region or wall of the tube or manifold 156 adjacent the streams is formed with vertically arranged slots 158, preferablyof dove-tail configuration, as shown in FIGURE 12. The slots 158' form ways, each slot accommodating a supporting portion 160 of a cooling fin 162. The base or mounting portion 160 of each cooling fin is slidable in the adjacent slot 158 so that each individual fin may be elevated or lowered with respect to the cones of the streams at the terminae of the tips 154,

As shown in FIGURE 12, the tips 162 from left to right are illustrated in progressively elevated positions. Through this arrangement the amount of heat absorbed from streams adjacent a particular fin may be controlled or regulated by adjusting the relative vertical position of the fin with respect to the adjacent streams. Thus if the streams are of varying viscosities, the fins 162 may be individually adjusted in vertical directions to regulate or control the rate of absorption of heat from the streams so that the viscosities of all of the streams may be maintained substantially constant.

The supporting means 160 of each of the fins is slidable in and frictionally retained in the adjacent slot 158 without other holding means. The arrangement shown in FIGURES 12 and 13 is especially adapted for ease in cleaning as the individual fins may be selectively removed and replaced without interruption of the attenuation operation.

FIGURE 14 is illustrative of another form of heat barrier or shield for the heat absorbing fins utilized for calorimetric indication of absorbed heat for determining stream flow characteristics or fiber or filament diameters. In this arrangement, the feeder c is provided with tips or projections 200 through which. flow streams 26c. Disposed close to the projections 200 is a series of fins 170 supported by a tubular block or manifold 172 formed with a passage 174 through which heat absorbing fluid is circulated to convey away the heat absorbed by the fins 171 from the feeder and the tips 200 and a small amount of heat from the streams 26c.

Disposed beneath the fins 170, which extend transversely of the feeder and are spaced lengthwise thereof, is a second set or series of heat absorbing members or fins 178 positioned or disposed to absorb heat from the streams 260 of glass, the rate of absorption by the fins 178 being utilized as an index for determining fiow characteristics of the streams and hence filament size.

The fins 178 are secured to and supported by a block or manifold 180 having a tubular passage 182 therethrough accommodating a circulating heat absorbing fluid such as water. A layer 184 of high temperature resistant heat insulating material such as ceramic or refractory is disposed between the manifolds 172 and 181 to minimize heat transfer from one manifold to the other as appreciable heat transfer at this region would impair the accuracy of the determination of the rate of heat absorption or transfer through the fins 178 into the circulating heat absorbing fluid in the passage 182 of the lower manifold 180.

The same type of indicating apparatus shown in FIG- URE l is utilized for determining heat differentials at the inlet and outlet regions of the fluid moving through the manifold 181) to indicate or register variations in the rate of heat absorption into the fluid through the heat absorbing fins 178. With a guard means of the character provided by the fins 170 in FIGURE 14, an accurate indication is obtainable of variations in heat absorption from the streams 26c.

FIGURE is illustrative of the method and apparatus of the invention utilized for determining flow characteristics or size of a substantially large stream of heatsoftened material, for example, mineral materials such as glass, slag or fusible rock. The arrangement and method of the invention as shown in FIGURE 15 uti lizes heat absorption for the determination of variations in the size of the stream, or variations in the temperature or viscosity of the stream.

The arrangement shown in FIGURE 15 involves flowing a stream of heat-softened mineral material from a feeder in which the material may be reduced to a flowable state or from a feeder associated with a forehearth which is supplied with heat-softened refined glass from a melting furnace. Referring to FIGURE 15, the forehearth 170 which is formed of refractory is equipped with a feeder 172, the latter preferably being formed of platinum rhodium or similar high temperature resistant material. The feeder is provided with a depending projection or bushing 174 which is hollow providing an orifice 176 through which the heat-softened material flows as a stream 178.

It should be noted that the portion of the stream at the tip of the bushing or projection 174 is of cone shape as shown at 180. The stream 178 of substantial size, is delivered to other equipment (not shown) for further processing.

A heat absorption arrangement is disposed in heattransferring relation with the stream 178 and an indicating or recording means or system associated with the heat absorption arrangement for indicating characteristics of the stream. Surrounding the stream 178, preferably at a suflicient distance from the feeder 172 to avoid appreciable heat transfer from the feeder, is a walled chamber 182 adapted to accommodate a circulating heat absorbing fluid.

As shown in FIGURE 15, the walled chamber 182 is formed by concentric inner and outer cylindrical walls 183 and 184 provided With annular end closures 186, the lower one of which is shown in FIGURE 15. The inner wall 183 defines a tubular zone or passage 188 of a diameter to accommodate the stream 178 and avoid contact of the stream with the wall. The chamber is arranged with its axis generally coincident with the axis of the stream and is elongated in the direction of flow of the stream. A fluid inlet pipe 190 is arranged to convey heat absorbing fluid, such as water, into the chamber 182 at one end, and a second tube 192 is arranged to convey the heat absorbing fluid away from the other end of the chamber 182.

The metal tubes 190 and 192 are preferably connected with coupling members or tubes 193 and 194 of material having a low coeflicient of heat absorption such as rubber or other suitable nonmetallic material. The nonmetallic coupling elements 193 and 194 serve to isolate the metal walled chamber 182 against appreciable conduction of heat away from the chamber by the fluid conveying means.

The heat absorption chamber 182 is mounted in a manner to prevent appreciable transfer of heat to a supporting means. A support 196 formed of metal is disposed adjacent the chamber and out of metallic contact therewith. As shown in FIGURE 15, a mounting plate 198 engages and supports the chamber 132. interposed between the plates 196 and 198 is a member 197 fashioned of heat resistant insulating material such as ceramic, refractory or an asbestos composition material known as Transite. Through the use of a material of this character, the loss of heat from chamber 132 by conduction through the supporting or mounting means is reduced to a minimum.

Thermistors' 36c and 38c are arranged in heat-transferring relation with the fluid inlet and outlet pipes 190 and 192 respectively. The thermistors are connected to the opposite legs of a resistance system 40c connected with a current-responsive indicator 42c adapted to indicate variations of the amount of heat absorbed or transferred to the circulating heat absorbing medium.

In the operation of the arrangement shown in FIG- URE 15, heat is transferred from the glass of the stream 178 to the chamber 182 and into the circulating heat absorbing fluid such as water flowing through the chamber 182. The resistance system 400 is adjusted or balanced in accordance with a normal differential in the amount of current flow through the thermistors 36c and 380 under the influence of a constant amount of heat continuously absorbed into the circulating fluid under normal operating conditions. Variations in the amount of absorbed heat are registered on the indicator 42c. Through this method, with a constant or uniform rate of flow of the heat absorbing fluid, deviations in the viscosity or characteristics of the molten material of the stream or its size are indicated by the indicator 42c, and

proper adjustments of the applied heat or other operat ing conditions are made to restore the stream to the desired characteristics.

If the pressure or head of the circulating fluid is subject to variations causing nonuniform flow of the fluid, a flow transmitter may be embodied in the fluid circulating system and the deviations in rate of flow of the heat absorbing fluid integrated by conventional means such as a recording flow meter and the current differentials set up by the thermistors 36c and 38c transmitted to an integrating recording meter so that variations in the flow rate of the fluid are resolved to provide an indication of variations in the characteristics of the stream of glass or other molten material.

It is apparent that, within the scope of the invention, modifications and different arrangements may be made other than as herein disclosed, and the present disclosure is illustrative merely, the invention comprehending all variations thereof.

I claim:

' 1. The method of indicating variations in the flow characteristics of heat-softened mineral material including flowing a stream of heat-softened mineral material from a supply adjacent a chamber in heat-transferring relation with the stream, circulating a heat absorbing fluid through the chamber, continuously absorbing heat from the material of the stream into the fluid, directing the circulating fluid in heat-transferring relation with spaced thermistors, and conducting current flow through the thermistors to an eleetro-responsive indicator for indicating variations in the amount of heat being absorbed into the circulating fluid.

2. The method of indicating variations in the flow characteristics of heat-softened mineral material including flowing a stream of heat-softened mineral material from a supply, continuously circulating a fluid in heattransferring relation with the stream, continuously ab.- sorbing heat from the material of the stream into the fluid, transferring heat from the fluid to thermoresponsive resistances, and impressing current flow through the resistances on an electro-responsive indicator for indicating variations in the amount of heat being absorbed into the circulating fluid.

3. The method of indicating variations in the flow characteristics of heat-softened mineral material including flowing a stream of heat-softened mineral material from a supply, continuously absorbing heat from the material of the stream into 'a heat absorbing medium, transferring heat from the heat absorbing medium to resistances having thermo-responsive current flow characteristics, and impressing current flow throughv the resistances on an electro-responsive indicator for indicating variations in the amount of heat being absorbed from the stream.

4. The method of indicating variations in the flow characteristics of the heat-softened mineral material including flowing a plurality of streams of heat-softened mineral material from a supply, continuously circulating a fluid in heat-transferring relation with the streams, continuously absorbing heat from the streams into the fluid, directing the circulating fluid in heat-transferring relation with spaced nonlinear resistances, and conducting current flowing through the resistances to an electroresponsive indicator for indicating variations in the amount of heat being absorbed from the streams.

5. A method of regulating the viscosity of a stream of heat-softened mineral material flowing from a feeder including the steps of continuously transferring heat from the stream to a heat absorbing surface, transferring heat from the surface to thermo-responsive components in heat-transferring relation with the surface at spaced regions adapted to vary the flow of electric energy under the influence of heat, and conducting electric energy from the thermo-responsive components to an electro- 14 responsive indicator for indicating variations in heat absorbed by the surface.

6. A method of regulating the viscosity of streams of heat-softened mineral material flowing from a feeder through the medium of heat absorption including the steps of absorbing heat from the streams by transfer of heat to heat absorbing surfaces, circulating a heat absorbing fluid in heat-transferring relation with the surfaces, directing the circulating fluid in heat-transferring relation withspaced thermo-responsive units adapted to flow electric energy responsive to the influence of heat, conducting the electric energy to an electro-responsive indicator for indicating variations in heat absorbed by the surfaces, and modifying the relationship of the surfaces with respect to the streams to reestablish uniform viscosity of the streams.

7. The method of indicating variations in the flow characteristics of a stream of heat-softened mineral material through the medium of heat absorption including transferring heat from the material of the stream to a heat absorbing surface, circulating a heat absorbing fluid in heat-transferring relation with the heat absorbing surface, isolating the surface against loss of heat by conduction, conveying the fluid in heat-transferring relation With thermistors for varying current flow under the influence of heat, and impressing variations in current flow through the thermistors on a current-responsive indicator for indicating variations in the amount of heat transferred to the circulating fluid.

8. A method of determining variations in fiber diameters of fiber attenuated from streams of heatsoftenedmineral material including the steps of absorbing heat from the streams by a surface adjacent their region of delivery from a supply of the material, circulating a fluid in heat-transferring relation with the surface for conveying away absorbed heat, directing the fluid into heat-transferring relation with spaced thermo-responsive components, transferring heat from the fluid to the components, and conducting electric energy flowing through the components to an indicator for indicating variations in the diameters of the attenuated fibers dependant upon variations in the amount of heat absorbed from the streams.

9. A method of determining fiber diameters of fibers attenuated from streams of heat-softened material through the medium of heat absorption including circulating a heat absorbing fluid in heat-transferring relation with the streams, directing the fluid in heat-transferring relation with spaced nonlinear resistances conducting electric ene rgy flow through the resistances to a balanced circuit, and indicating variations in the current flow resulting from variations in heattransferred to the resistances by 'the extend of an unbalanced condition in the circuit for determining variations in diameters of the attenuated fibers.

10. A method of determining and controlling fiber diameters of fibers attenuated from a group of streams of heat-softened material through the medium of heat absorption including transferring heat from the streams to a movably mounted surface, circulating a heat absorbing fluid in heat-transferring relation with the surface, en gaging spaced regions of the surface with thermistors, transferring heat from the surface to the thermistors intercalated in a balanced circuit, indicating variations in the absorbed heat by the extent of an unbalanced condition in the thermistor circuit under the influence of variations in the electric energy flowing through the thermistors, and adjusting the relative position of the surface with respect to the streams to modify the rate of absorption of heat by the surface.

11. Apparatus for determining variations in the flow characteristics of a stream of heat-softened material flowing from a feeder including, in combination, a member provided with a passage disposed in heat-transferring relation with the stream and adapted to receive a circulating heat absorbing medium, thermo-eleetric current limiting means disposed in heat-transferring relation with the circulating heat absorbing medium, and an indicator in circuit with the thermo-electric current limiting means adapted to indicate variations in current flow in accord-' ance with the amount of heat transferred from the material of the stream to the heat absorbing medium.

12. Apparaus for determining variations in the flow characteristics of a free flowing stream of heat-softened material delivered from a feeder including, in combination, a member provided with a chamber disposed in heat-transferring relation with the stream arranged to accommodate a circulating heat absorbing medium, thermistors disposed in spaced relation and in heat-transferring relation with the circulating heat absorbing medium, and an indicator in circuit with the thermistors adapted to indicate variations in current flow through the thermistors responsive to the amount of heat transferred from the material of the stream to the heat absorbing medium.

13. Appartaus for determining variations in the flow characteristics of a stream of heat-softened mineral material in combination with means for flowing a stream of the material from a supply, a member formed of metal disposed in heat-transferring relation with the stream, said member having a passage adapted to accommodate a circulating cooling fluid, nonlinear resistance units ar ranged to be influenced by heat absorbed into the circulating fluid, a balanced resistance system in circuit withthe nonlinear resistance units and arranged to be influenced by differentials in current flow through said resistance units, and means responsive to an unbalanced condition in the resistance system for registering variations in heat absorption indicating changes in flow characteristics of the stream.

14. Apparatus for determining variations in the flow characteristics of a stream of heat-softened mineral material in combination with means for flowing a stream of the material from a supply, a metal chamber disposed in heat-transferring relation with the stream, said chamber having an inlet and an outlet and adapted to accommodate a circulating cooling fluid, thermistors in heattransferring relation with the inlet and outlet of the chamber adapted to be influenced by heat absorbed into the circulating fluid, a balanced resistance system in circuit with the thermistors and arranged to be influenced by differentials in current flow through the thermistors, and indicating means responsive to an unbalanced condition in the resistance system set up by variations in the rate of heat absorption for registering variations in the flow characteristics of the stream.

15. Apparatus for determining variations in viscosity of streams of heat-softened mineral material including, in combination, a feeder provided with a plurality of orifices through which flow streams of the material, heat absorbing surface means disposed adjacent the streams, passage means associated with the heat absorbing surface means through which a heat absorbing fluid is circulated in heat-transferring relation with the surface means, thermo-responsive means having variable current flow characteristics under the influence of heat, said means being disposed in heat-transferring relation with the circulating fluid, and an indicator responsive to differentials in current flow through the therrno-responsive means for registering variations in the rate of absorption of heat into the circulating fluid indicating differences in viscositim of the streams.

16. Apparatus for determining variations in size of filaments attenuated from streams of heat-softened mineral material including, in combination, a feeder provided with a plurality of orifices through which flow streams of the material, means for attenuating the streams to filaments, heat absorbing fins disposed adjacent the streams, a manifold supporting the fins formed with a passage adapted to accommodate a circulating heat absorbing fluid,'thermistors arranged at the inlet and outlet of the passage adapted to be influenced by heat in the heat absorbing fluid, and an indicator responsive to differentials in current flow through the thermistors for indicating variations in the size of the attenuated filaments by variations in the rate of absorption of heat into the fluid.

17. The method of indicating variations in the flow characteristics of heat-softened mineral material including flowing a stream of relatively constant temperature heat-softened mineral material from a supply, continuously circulating a fluid in heat-transferring relation with the stream, continuously absorbing heat from the material of the stream into the fluid, transferring heat from the fluid to temperature sensitive means at spaced points along the heat-transferring portion of the path of the circulating fluid, and detecting the differences in temperature of the fluid at the spaced points to indicate amounts of material flowing in said stream.

References fitted in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,721,556 Harrison July 23, 1929 2,634,553 Russell Apr. 14, 1953 2,692,961 Fondiller Oct. 26, 1954 2,706,365 Stalego Apr. 19, 1955 2,914,806 Long et a1. Dec. 1, 1959 FOREIGN PATENTS 205,674 Australia Jan. 18, 1957 

